Mike Tomlin said recently he is comfortable redeploying the Steelers’ tackle tandem of the past two years — Dan Moore–Chukwuma Okorafor — but the team made efforts to upgrade its interior offensive line in free agency. Tackle appears a strong consideration in the draft.
The Steelers are interested in finding Kenny Pickett improved edge protection, with ESPN.com’s Todd McShay indicating the team has made inquiries about trading up from No. 17. Specifically, McShay names the Bears (No. 9) and Titans (No. 11) as teams the Steelers have contacted about a move up the board for a tackle. A tackle is indeed believed to be the reason the Steelers have been connected to moving up, Albert Breer of SI.com notes.
While the Steelers did not host Paris Johnson on a visit, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic adds the team met with the Ohio State tackle over dinner ahead of his pro day (subscription required). The Steelers, whom Kaboly notes dined with T.J. Watt and Artie Burns before selecting them in Round 1 during the 2010s, also met with other Buckeyes linemen.
This franchise does not have an extensive history in moving up, though such a move did take place for Devin Bush in 2019. The Steelers succeeded the other two times they have moved up in Round 1 (Troy Polamalu, Santonio Holmes) over the past 20 years. This is Omar Khan‘s first draft as Pittsburgh’s GM. He and assistant GM Andy Weidl have added some pieces up front, signing top guard Isaac Seumalo and adding Nate Herbig as well. The Steelers agreed to terms with tackle Le’Raven Clark, but that almost certainly is a depth-based acquisition. As of now, Moore and Okorafor should be considered Pittsburgh’s unquestioned starters at tackle.
Johnson has generated buzz to the point he might not be available at 9. The ex-Buckeyes standout has been connected to climbing into the top five, which would seemingly be out of the Steelers’ range due to the board jump required. But the likes of Peter Skoronski — who is seen by many as a guard — and Broderick Jones are also certain first-rounders-to-be. The Steelers did meet with Jones, a Georgia tackle, during the pre-draft visit window. Tennessee’s Darnell Wright may be available if the Steelers stick at No. 17.
The Steelers have not drafted a tackle in Round 1 since 1996 (Jamain Stephens) and have not selected an O-lineman in the first since David DeCastro 11 years ago. Okorafor (2018) and Moore (2021) each arrived as third-rounders. Both started all 17 games for the Steelers last season. Pro Football Focus rated each outside the top 55 at the position, however. Despite the Steelers enjoying steady health from their starting O-line, PFF ranked the unit 16th.
Pittsburgh has been connected to making a cornerback pick at No. 17 as well, and Breer adds Tomlin’s son, Dino, was in the same Maryland recruiting class as first-round prospect Deonte Banks. The ex-Terrapin, like Tomlin, visited the Steelers recently as well. But tackle has emerged as a position to watch regarding Pittsburgh’s first pick. Via the Chase Claypool trade, the Steelers also hold the No. 32 overall choice to bolster one of these areas as well.
